If your coffee tastes the same delicious every morning, there’s a good chance Cropster is involved. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Andreas Idl, Co-Founder & CEO of Cropster, the quiet tech force behind the global specialty coffee boom. Founded after Andreas spent time in Colombia and saw how hard it was for small farmers and roasters to access the global market on fair terms, Cropster builds software that helps producers and roasters hit specialty-grade quality, roast after roast—while sending more value back down the supply chain. Today, Cropster works with hundreds of roasters and cafés worldwide, including every winner of the World Coffee Roasting Championship. Their tools help map the entire journey from cherry to cup, capture and analyze roasting data, and keep quality consistent from one batch—and one location—to the next. With the recent acquisition of FireScope, Cropster is also deepening its footprint in Asia, one of the fastest-growing coffee markets in the world. We talk about: – What specialty coffee actually is—and why it’s exploding globally – Where quality is won or lost along the coffee production chain – The frictions that keep smallholders and emerging roasters out of premium markets – What Cropster’s software actually shows on-screen—and how it changes tomorrow’s roast – Why World Coffee Roasting Champions trust Cropster, and what any roaster can copy – The thinking behind the FireScope acquisition and expansion in Asia – How data can help farmers and roasters get fairer pricing and longer relationships – Where Cropster is going next: product roadmap, more M&A, and opening specialty to more roasters Takeaways: – Specialty coffee is won or lost at multiple steps—from cherry to cup. – Small roasters are often blocked by outdated trading systems and lack of data. – Cropster turns roasting into a measurable, repeatable process, not guesswork. – The FireScope acquisition accelerates Cropster’s growth in Asia’s fast-growing coffee market. – Great coffee is about balance—of flavor, process, and consistent quality. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Cropster and Andreas Idl 06:30 Understanding Specialty Coffee 09:03 The Coffee Production Process 12:19 Challenges for Small Holders and Emerging Roasters 19:48 Cropster's Role in the Coffee Industry 30:02 Acquisition of FireScope and Market Expansion 37:50 Future Plans for Cropster 38:35 Rapid Fire Questions with Andreas Idl If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #coffee #business #technology

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Rebecka Löthman Rydå, General Partner at Norrsken Evolve. Rebecka calls herself a nerd at heart passionate about supporting early stage founders building transformative companies that tackle meaningful problems. She's an investor in over 30 companies like Truecaller, through Zenith (IPO $2b), Funnel (series C $66m), TrusTrace (series B $25m), Formulate (exit to Relex) and Zound Industries (now Marshall exit at $1b). Norrsken Evolve is a new €57M oversubscribed pre-seed fund backing founders building Europe’s resilient and sustainable future. It’s an evolution of Norrsken Accelerator—since 2021 they’ve backed 80 startups—now doubling down with €250k upfront + follow-on, a world-class in-person sprint, and a top-tier advisory network. We dig into: • Europe’s “defining moment” and the courage founders need now • What Evolve looks for at pre-seed (problem-obsession, resilience, honesty) • Why storytelling + direct feedback beat vanity metrics at day-zero • Hiring truths (why a Founder’s Associate / Chief of Staff early can 10x output) • How “resilience” gets real across energy, logistics, cities, food, health & society Takeaways: – Pre-seed is courage + clarity: narratives matter more than noisy metrics. – Back problem-obsession, not just credentials. – Resilience = real-world stress-tests, not buzzwords. – Hiring a Founder’s Associate early saves the CEO from context collapse. – Direct, fast feedback compounds founder learning. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Evolve & AI Bubble Discussion 03:08 How Evolve Works 06:04 Courage in European Innovation 08:58 Founder Traits: Problem-Obsession & Grit 12:02 Hiring & Early Team Dynamics 15:06 Fundraising & Metrics at Pre-Seed 17:56 Radical Candor: Feedback & Transparency 20:58 Resilience & Sustainability in Practice 23:03 Sector Impact & What’s Next 24:02 Final Thoughts & Rapid Fire If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #funding #sustainability #business #technology

Abacum is the all-in-one FP&A platform helping CFOs forecast revenue, plan headcount, and model financial scenarios—so finance can drive efficient growth in tough markets. With 100+ employees across Barcelona, New York, and London, Abacum is used by hundreds of mid-market companies in 31 countries—trusted by Strava, Trilogy, Abridge, JG Wentworth, Mastercam, and more. The company recently closed a $60M Series B led by Scale Venture Partners (total funding $105M) with investors including Y Combinator, Cathay Innovation, Atomico, Creandum, and K Fund. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Julio Martinez, Co-Founder and CEO of Abacum. Julio shares how Abacum turns spreadsheet-heavy workflows into real-time, collaborative planning. We cover how finance teams adopt Abacum in practice, Spain’s tech rise, and why the company is doubling down on U.S. expansion. We also dive into Julio’s personal operating system—Vipassana, Stoicism (Epictetus), journaling, family-first—and yes, his near-career as a paella cook (although he didn't say his last word about it yet) and much more. Takeaways: – Excel works… until scale, collaboration, and cadence break it. – One live model for revenue, headcount, and OPEX = forecasts you can defend. – Headcount discipline (role → timing → ramp → ROI) beats top-down totals. – AI enhances productivity; decisions stay human. – EU vs U.S.: EU optimizes for control; U.S. for speed—Abacum serves both. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Abacum and Julio Martinez 03:00 Identifying Pain Points in Finance 05:55 The Spreadsheet Dilemma 08:52 Hiring and Business Growth Traps 11:56 The Role of AI in Finance 14:59 Cultural Differences: EU vs US Finance 18:12 Raising Capital and Business Foundations 20:59 Personal Habits and Leadership 23:49 Rapid Fire Questions If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #finance #business

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Vidya Peters, CEO of DataSnipper—the Dutch unicorn automating document-heavy audit and finance with enterprise-grade, traceable AI. Founded in 2017, DataSnipper is used by 600,000+ professionals across 2,000+ customers in 175 countries—including the Big Four (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) and enterprises like Volkswagen, Morgan Stanley, Paramount, Siemens, Baker Tilly. In 2024, DataSnipper raised a $100M Series B led by Index Ventures at a $1B valuation, was the #1 fastest-growing company in the Netherlands for two years, and completed its first acquisition (UpLink). With multi-language support and industry-specific automation, DataSnipper focuses on what auditors actually need: speed with a regulator-ready audit trail. In this exciting conversation, Vidya shares her background, the importance of auditors in society, and how DataSnipper is transforming the auditing landscape by automating tedious tasks and enhancing efficiency. The conversation delves into the future of auditing with AI, the significance of trust in the auditing process, and the impact of partnerships, particularly with Microsoft. Vidya also engages in a rapid-fire segment, sharing personal insights and thoughts on the evolving role of AI technology in people's lives. We go deep on: – What “traceable AI” looks like for regulators (step-by-step breadcrumbs) – The one process that makes auditors smile by Friday – Where agents should own work this quarter—and where humans stay in the loop – How partnerships (incl. Microsoft ecosystem) make Monday mornings effortless – The moment auditors say, “I’ll never go back” Takeaways: – Traceable AI = evidence, not guesses: every extraction, match, and check leaves a breadcrumb. – Automate reality, not theory: start with evidence collection & tie-outs (fastest “auditors smile by Friday” win). – Agents own the repetitive; humans own the judgment: let agents prep, reconcile, and validate; keep materiality & risk with people. – Trust beats speed when it’s close: preserve human sign-off where stakes are high. – Platform vision: industry-specific automation + partners + app ecosystem → repeatable outcomes at scale. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to DataSnipper and Its Impact 02:30 The Role of Auditors in Society 06:01 Transforming Auditing with Technology 09:33 The Future of Auditing: AI and Automation 12:33 The Importance of Human Auditors 14:25 Partnerships and Effortless Workflows 15:56 Milestones and Future Vision 17:29 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #ai #technology #data #audit

This is the best time to build a startup ever. To young people thinking whether to build something: Start Now. This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Laura Modiano (Startups EMEA at OpenAI) to turn her “love letter to European founders” into a build-now playbook. We break down OpenAI’s latest platform updates—Apps in ChatGPT + Apps SDK (a brand-new distribution channel), AgentKit (agents that actually do), Codex (GA) for developer speed, Sora 2 / Sora 2 Pro via API for high-ROI video, and GPT-5-pro for higher-stakes reasoning—into concrete steps founders can run today. You’ll learn: – The fastest path from idea → prototype using OpenAI’s stack (weekend-level speed) – Apps in ChatGPT: how discovery + monetization change—and what founders should prep before day one – Where AgentKit beats basic API calls (state, tools, guardrails → outcomes) – How to fold Codex (GA) into your PR flow without slowing teams – Sora 2: responsible, high-ROI uses that move real metrics – GPT-5-pro vs. cheaper models: a practical decision rubric (stakes, accuracy, latency, cost) Takeaways: – Speed is a moat: scaffold with GPT-5-pro, then optimize to cheaper models. – Don’t “add AI”—remove steps: redesign the workflow; kill clicks, not add them. – Apps in ChatGPT = new distribution: 800M weekly users; EU/UK—prep your app listing, onboarding, and pricing now. – Agents vs. endpoints: with AgentKit, combine state + tools + guardrails to deliver outcomes, not demos. – Codex (GA) ≠ novelty: pair-programming, repo refactors, doc hygiene—without slowing PR velocity. – Sora 2: use where dynamic video outperforms static—product demos, instructionals, simulations. – Europe’s edge: talent density + research depth; the bottleneck is belief + shipping cadence, not brains. Chapters: 00:00 Building in Europe: A Love Letter to Founders 05:15 Europe’s Competitive Edge 12:16 From Idea to Prototype: Leveraging OpenAI Tools 13:45 Integrating AI: Common Mistakes to Avoid 15:10 Apps in ChatGPT: Discovery, Distribution & Monetization 18:22 AgentKit: Unlocking New Possibilities 19:14 Codex (GA): Enhancing Developer Workflows 21:44 Sora 2 & GPT-5-pro: The Future of AI 25:15 AI & Jobs: A Balanced Perspective 32:01 Best Time to Build: A Call to Action 38:45 Final Thoughts: AI’s Role in Our Lives If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: / eu-startups-menlo-media Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #ai #chatgpt

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Scott van den Berg, founder of HotStart VC, to unpack how celebrity and creator-led brands actually win. HotStart VC's team has been involved in 55+ celebrity-founded brands, including investments in companies founded by Selena Gomez, DJ Khaled, Jake Paul, and more. They also co-founded two of the most successful celebrity-founded brands: Feastables w/ MrBeast ($375M revenue in Y3) and The Honest Co. w/Jessica Alba ($1.4B IPO in 2021). Most recently, HotStart VC welcomed actress Sasha Pieterse (20M followers) and creator Marina Mogliko (17M followers) as venture partners, further strengthening our access and expertise in the space. We dive into why distribution is the new moat, why product quality (not hype) drives repeat purchase, how authentic creator–product fit builds trust, and the signals & metrics that matter beyond follower counts. Scott also shares how to structure teams around a creator, what most investors miss about the category, and why ownership changes commitment. You’ll learn: – Distribution as a competitive edge (and how to build it) – Authenticity & problem-solving always beat endorsements & logos – The metrics that predict revenue: engagement, retention, LTV/CAC – Team design for creator-led companies (ops, brand, growth, supply) – Why B2B for creators is an underpriced opportunity Takeaways: – Distribution is the moat; reach + repeatable channels beat one-off virality. – Product quality drives retention; hype may launch, quality compounds. – Authenticity converts; creator–product fit builds trust and pricing power. – Engagement is more important than the number of followers; comments, saves, CTR, and repeat purchase predict revenue. – Ownership matters; real skin-in-the-game changes creator commitment. – Right team, right roles; brand + ops + growth + supply around the creator. – Zero-to-one differs; creators start with audience, still must earn product–channel fit. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to HotStart VC and Scott van den Berg 02:33 The Role of Distribution in Celebrity Brands 05:01 Understanding the Challenges of Celebrity Brands 08:08 Identifying Early Signals of Success 10:32 Key Metrics for Long-Term Revenue 12:37 Building a B2B Company as a Creator 15:56 The Importance of Team Structure in Celebrity Brands 19:25 Rapid Fire Questions and Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #creator #celebrity #venturecapital

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Rocío Alcocer Magirena, Managing Director of Norrsken Barcelona — Europe’s largest hub for tech & impact startups — during Impact/Week (Oct 1–2). We dig into Norrsken’s “infrastructure for hope”, the Impact/100 2025 list (where AI tops tomorrow’s impact unicorns), and why Spain’s startup economy is surging (📈 €3.8B). Rocío breaks down the momentum in healthcare, biotech, biodiversity, and home-care — and what Barcelona needs next: more talent and more patient capital. Spanish finalists spotlighted in the episode: Deepull (2019) — 1-hour, culture-free molecular test for ~95% of sepsis pathogens + resistance genes. Sycai Medical (2020) — AI that flags abdominal lesions & predicts pancreatic cancer risk. Biorce (2024) — Streamlining clinical trials with an AI platform, Jarvis. Ocean Ecostructures (2018) — “Life Boosting Units” regenerate marine biodiversity; 300+ species & 1.5t CO₂ captured. Qida (2017) — Scalable home-care to transform healthcare delivery. What you’ll learn: – How Norrsken builds infrastructure for hope (community + capital + space) – Why AI leads in the next wave of impact unicorns – The Impact/100 methodology & what makes a company “impact-ready” – Europe’s healthcare & biodiversity challenges + where startups can win – Community design: how Barcelona is shaping a global impact hub for 2026 Takeaways: – AI is shaping the next wave of impact unicorns – solving real problems, not hyping demos. – Spain’s startup ecosystem is breaking out – €3.8B and rising, with global attention. – Impact thrives when capital meets purpose – patient, aligned money solves hard problems. – People move markets – founder stamina beat paperwork. – Community is the multiplier–the best hubs are engineered, not accidental. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Impact Week and Norrsken 03:07 The Growth of Spain's Startup Ecosystem 05:49 Impact/100: AI and the Future of Impact Unicorns 09:08 Spotlight on Spanish Startups 11:51 Challenges in Healthcare Startups 14:58 Biodiversity and Economic Impact 18:07 Home-Care Innovations 21:11 Community Design in Startup Ecosystems 24:00 Looking Ahead: Barcelona's Impact Scene in 2026 26:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: / eu-startups-menlo-media Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #impact

Most growth teams run on incentives. Most incentives run on… spreadsheets, guesswork, and disputes. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Sergio González, CEO & Co-Founder of Remuner—the AI-powered sales compensation platform that turns commissions from confusion into a growth system. Fresh off a €5.5M Seed (led by Seaya, with Pear VC and others), Remuner is expanding globally and doubling down on AI to become Europe’s reference platform for sales compensation. We unpack: – Why incentives break (misalignment, opacity, manual ops) – How AI nudges help reps maximize earnings (and hit targets) – Why transparency kills shadow accounting and builds trust – The power of no-code plan design (business teams, not IT) – What “global by design” means for currency/compliance/culture – The future: compensation as a strategic, data-driven growth lever Takeaways: – Automation + AI turn commissions from manual to strategic – Transparency builds trust and ends shadow accounting – Fix sales/comp cycle misalignment to unlock growth – No-code design = faster changes, fewer IT bottlenecks – AI nudges guide reps to maximize earnings, in real time – “Global by design” matters: currency, compliance, culture – Compensation is becoming a data-driven growth lever Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Remuner and Sergio González 01:29 What Remuner Actually Does (in plain English) 02:34 Why Transparency is the Trust Engine 04:01 Designing Effective, Fair Compensation Plans 06:14 Predicting Paychecks with Confidence 08:51 Before & After: A Customer Turnaround Story 11:10 AI Compensation Manager: Nudges & Insights 13:49 Ending Disputes & Shadow Accounting 15:57 No-Code Plan Design (No IT Dependency) 18:36 Global Compensation: Currency & Compliance 20:28 The Strategic Future of Compensation 23:32 Rapid Fire with Sergio If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #sales

This week on the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Beth Susanne, global pitch coach trusted by over 3,950 startups and clients across 60 countries. She has helped entrepreneurs raise over $10 billion to date! Her work spans industries from medtech and biotech to fintech, AI, and cleantech, and she has collaborated with organisations such as Singularity University, Oxford Foundry, Barclays, BMW, and Disney. Known for her “dogged determination to extract the very best” from founders, Beth specializes in crafting clear, confident messages that resonate across investors, markets, and culture. She is the person European and Asian entrepreneurs call when they want to learn how to loosen up and exude confidence before meeting with a group of Silicon Valley investors. In this episode, Beth breaks down how to capture and maintain investor attention, map motivations such as risk, upside, and speed, and master delivery through voice, pace, pause, and presence. She also shares why simplicity is a superpower, how founders can remove 70% of words to double their impact, and much more! You’ll learn: – Why attention is the only currency in a pitch—and how to earn it fast – How to map investor motivations (risk, upside, speed) and speak to them directly – Delivery that lands: voice, tempo, pause, and eye contact – Simplicity as a superpower: remove 70% of words, double the impact – Visualization & rehearsal: training confidence on command Takeaways: – Attention is the currency. Open strong, cut filler. – Motivation mapping: speak to risk, upside, speed. – Delivery makes meaning: breath, pace, pause, eye contact. – Simplicity scales: fewer words, clearer claims. – Visualization works: rehearse the state you need to feel. Chapters: 00:00 The Art of Pitching: Understanding Investor Attention 02:33 Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Structure and Delivery 05:05 Transformative Coaching: Real-Life Success Stories 08:14 The Importance of Simplicity in Pitch 10:48 Mastering Delivery: Techniques for Confidence 13:33 Visualization and Mindset: Preparing for Success 16:02 Universal Pitching Rules Across Industries 19:00 Cutting Through the Fluff: Effective Communication 21:19 Body Language and Credibility in Pitching 23:56 Feedback and Growth: The Coaching Process 26:30 Rapid Fire: Insights and Advice for Founders If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #pitching #venturecapital

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Philipp Roesch-Schlanderer, Founder & CEO of EGYM, the German fitness tech unicorn transforming how the world approaches health. EGYM’s mission is simple yet bold: make fitness accessible to everyone. By rethinking the traditional gym experience and integrating fitness into healthcare, EGYM is pioneering a shift from repair to prevention. We dive into: – Why 80% of gym-goers don’t actually benefit from their workouts – The role of strength training in longevity and healthy living – How technology personalizes and enhances fitness journeys – What Europe can learn from the US (and vice versa) about health and fitness – Philipp’s bold vision for the future of EGYM and preventative healthcare Takeaways: – EGYM’s mission is to make fitness accessible for all, not just the motivated 20%. – Traditional gyms fail because most members don’t get real results. – Strength training is one of the biggest unlocks for longevity. – Integrating fitness into healthcare lowers costs and saves lives. – Technology can personalize workouts, making prevention more engaging. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to EGYM and Its Mission 05:11 – The Broken Gym Experience 09:53 – Integrating Fitness and Healthcare 14:47 – The Future of Gym Technology 20:11 – Global Perspectives on Fitness 24:49 – Bold Bets and Future Aspirations If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #fitness #gym #technology

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Des Traynor, Co-founder of Intercom, creators of Fin.AI, to unpack what it takes to transform a unicorn into an AI-first company. Des shares the story of how Intercom embraced AI at its core, building Fin.AI, a customer service agent now handling millions of conversations. He explains the challenges of creating an AI-first culture, the risks of transition, and why companies that fail to adapt will not survive. This is a must-listen for founders, builders, and investors navigating the AI revolution. We also dive into: – The future of AI-powered customer experiences – Why Europe has untapped opportunities in AI vs. Silicon Valley – What investors should know about backing AI startups today – Des’s vision for the future of Intercom and Fin.AI – And lessons from his angel portfolio (Notion, Algolia, Miro, Synthesia, and more) Takeaways: – AI isn’t a feature. It’s a foundation shift. – Transforming a company into AI-first means changing culture, not just code. – Customers measure AI by trust, not accuracy. – Europe has the talent to lead in AI — speed is the missing piece. – The biggest AI wins will come from industries still waiting to be disrupted. Chapters: 00:00 – From Unicorn to AI Transformation 06:08 – Building an AI-First Culture 12:03 – Success Stories with Fin 17:48 – Europe vs. Silicon Valley in AI 24:12 – Future Vision for Fin and Intercom If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #ai

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Marco Trombetti, seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and Co-Founder & CEO of Translated and Pi Campus. Translated provides translation services in more than 200 languages with over 500.000 professional translators working in symbiosis with the best translation AI ever created. Marco’s story is one of curiosity, long-term vision, and relentless optimism. From building software at just 15 to co-founding one of Europe’s leading translation platforms, Marco shares the lessons learned from decades at the intersection of technology, language, and entrepreneurship. Packed with wisdom from a career of building, investing, and learning, this is a masterclass in how to play the long game as an entrepreneur. We explore: – Why naivety is often an entrepreneur’s superpower – The importance of loving your users’ problems, not just your product – How AI and humans can complement each other in translation and beyond – Why physical spaces matter for innovation (and how Pi Campus was designed for that) – Why optimism and long-term thinking are the most underrated startup strategies Takeaways: – Entrepreneurship is a long game: think 10–15 years, not 10–15 months. – Optimism is an edge in building companies. – Naivety isn’t a weakness — it’s what lets you try the “impossible.” – AI won’t replace humans — it will enhance them. – Founders should fall in love with their users’ problems, not their own ideas. – The future is built by those who show up to build it. Chapters: 00:00 – From Early Beginnings to Entrepreneurial Spirit 03:08 – The Birth of Translated and the Internet Revolution 10:05 – Building Companies: The Long Game 16:13 – The Importance of Physical Spaces for Innovation 19:34 – Optimism and Naivety in Entrepreneurship 21:16 – Rapid Fire Insights: Wisdom from Marco Trombetti If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favorite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #entrepreneurship #ai #translation

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Joe Seager-Dupuy, Partner at TRUE, the $1bn consumer-specialist VC and innovation advisory firm that’s reshaping the retail, leisure, and consumer tech sectors. Joe shares his unique journey from a family of firefighters to venture capital, explains why brands today need a strong point of view, and reveals the “superpowers” that make TRUE one of the most interesting players in consumer VC. The conversation dives into: – How TRUE integrates sustainability beyond just a label – The evolution (and reality check) of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models – How AI is transforming consumer behavior and entrepreneurship – Lessons learned working with Richard Branson – And what makes a founder truly stand out Takeaways: – Great founders reshape consumer habits, not just follow them. – Market size matters — even the best idea struggles without it. – Copy-paste advice is dangerous; context defines success. – Brands with a bold point of view earn loyalty faster. – AI is an accelerant — amplifying both good business models and bad ones. This episode is packed with insights on where consumer markets are heading — and what it takes to build a business that actually changes behavior. Chapters: 00:00 From Firefighter to Venture Capitalist 04:11 The Superpowers of TRUE 08:20 Sustainability Beyond the Label 12:14 Brands Need a Point of View 16:17 The Evolution of D2C 19:11 The AI Revolution and Consumer Behavior 22:15 The Impact of AI on Entrepreneurship 25:29 Lessons from Richard Branson and Early Stage Founders 26:04 Identifying Promising Founders 29:43 Challenges in Consumer Market Size 31:01 Red Flags in Startup Pitches 33:02 Rapid Fire Insights on Consumer Trends Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #consumer #ai #venturecapital

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Jens Wohltorf, CEO & Co-Founder of Blacklane — the premium global chauffeur service that’s transforming the way business travelers move through the world. Jens shares the journey from concept to becoming a trusted name in luxury mobility. We discuss how Blacklane scaled across continents while maintaining exceptional service, navigated complex local regulations, and adapted during the pandemic to emerge stronger than ever. You’ll hear insights on: – Building trust in the luxury service industry – The importance of anticipating customer needs before they even ask – How to scale without sacrificing quality – Why sustainability must be more than a marketing line – The skills and mindset entrepreneurs need to thrive in global markets Takeaways – Trust is your most valuable currency. – Global expansion demands local understanding — and patience. – Scaling too fast can compromise quality beyond repair. – Anticipation and empathy separate good service from great service. – Crises (like the pandemic) can be catalysts for reinvention. Chapters 00:00 The Spark of Blacklane 02:57 Scaling Luxury Mobility 06:09 Building Trust in Service 09:01 Navigating Global Expansion 11:58 Sustainability in Luxury Travel 14:51 Lessons from the Pandemic 18:11 Future of Mobility 21:02 Rapid Fire Insights Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #mobility #luxury #travel

What does it take to build one of world's highest-performing sales teams — fully remote? In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Maxime Chareton, Head of Sales at Revolut, to explore what makes the fintech giant’s sales engine run. Revolut's powerhouse of products helps 50+ million customers get more from their money every day. They have 10,000+ people working around the world, from their offices and remotely, to help them achieve their mission. We cover: – How Revolut scaled a remote sales team across global markets – Why autonomy and ownership beat micromanagement – How to hire sales talent with curiosity and resilience – The role of AI in augmenting (not replacing) human sales – How to shift the conversation from price → to value Takeaways: – Sales is emotional intelligence in motion. – Culture is the glue in remote-first teams. – Great sellers don’t push — they guide. – Hiring for mindset beats hiring for resume. – The future of sales is part tech, part trust. Whether you're building a sales org, hiring your first reps, or selling across borders — this episode is packed with real tactics and fresh thinking. Chapters: 00:00 Scaling Sales in a Remote World 01:57 Building a Unique Sales Culture 03:29 Maintaining High Performance at Scale 05:23 Hiring for Success 07:02 Localizing Sales Efforts 09:44 Autonomy and Ownership in Sales 10:27 Leveraging Technology for Productivity 12:39 The Role of AI in Sales 14:36 Personalization in Sales Outreach 15:46 Shifting Conversations from Price to Value 17:12 Sales Enablement Strategies 18:22 Creating Urgency Without Pressure 19:45 Rapid Fire Insights If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startups #sales #finance

Airbnb? Timeshare? Nope. This Is Better. In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Nikolaus Thomale, Founder & Managing Director of MYNE Homes. MYNE Homes is building Europe’s leading co-ownership platform for vacation homes. They make buying, owning and selling your dream vacation home more accessible and hassle-free. While more than 20 million vacation homes across Europe are sitting empty most of the year, millions of people dream of owning such a second home. MYNE was started to bring together those homes and those people with dreams. We explore: – Why traditional vacation home ownership is outdated and inefficient – How MYNE creates a seamless co-ownership experience across Europe – What makes MYNE different from Airbnb, rentals, or timeshares – How luxury, flexibility, and sustainability can go hand-in-hand – The role of community and emotional value in second-home ownership Takeaways: – Ownership is shifting from solo to shared, from status to story. – The new luxury is flexibility, community, and meaning. – Technology unlocks emotional value in real estate. – Co-ownership redefines what it means to “own” a place. – Vacation homes are no longer just for the 1%. Chapters 00:00 Rethinking Vacation Home Ownership 04:34 The Rise of Co-Ownership Models 06:12 Differentiating from Traditional Models 08:35 Luxury Meets Accessibility 09:53 Market Expansion Strategies 12:01 Creating a Sense of Ownership 14:58 The Future of Property Ownership 16:17 Personal Dreams and Experiences 17:39 Rapid Fire Questions If you've ever dreamed of a beachside villa in Mallorca or a mountain retreat in the Alps — this one’s for you. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #realestate #technology

🎙️ Skills Over Signals: TestGorilla CEO Wouter Durville on the Future of Hiring In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Wouter Durville, Co-Founder and CEO of TestGorilla, to discuss the shift from traditional hiring to skills-based recruitment. With over $80m in funding TestGorilla is placing people in dream jobs with talent assessments that identify the best candidates at the start of the recruitment process. With companies like Google and EY dropping degree requirements, and AI entering the hiring process, the future of recruitment is getting a massive upgrade. Wouter explains: – Why résumés don’t work – How to test for the skills that really matter – What founders, hiring managers, and HR leaders get wrong – How to make hiring fairer, faster, and more human Takeaways: – Traditional hiring methods are becoming obsolete. – Résumés are dying — skills are the new currency. – Degrees are optional. Talent and hard work are not. – AI + assessment = fairer, faster hiring. – Human values like critical thinking and being kind are crucial. – The future of hiring will focus on skills, not signals. Chapters: 00:00 Rethinking Hiring: The Skills-First Approach 03:02 The Role of AI in Modern Recruitment 06:03 Identifying Key Skills for Success 08:56 The Importance of a Holistic Hiring Process 12:07 Creating a Positive Candidate Experience 14:54 Balancing Technology and Human Touch in Hiring 17:59 The Future of Hiring: A Vision for Skills-Based Recruitment 💡 If you’re hiring, applying, or just curious about how AI and assessments are reshaping work — this is a must-listen. If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #work #hiring #jobs

In this special edition of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski is joined by the editorial team behind EU-Startups: Antonio Escarzaga (Head of Content) and David Cendon Garcia (Head of News). Together, they unpack the evolving world of startup media — from AI-generated content and traditional journalism to what actually makes a startup story land in today's crowded feed. Whether you're a founder, marketer, or just startup-curious, this episode is your backstage pass to how media works — and what’s changing fast. Takeaways 1. AI is changing the way content is created and optimized for search engines. 2. Traditional media still plays a crucial role in curating and contextualizing news. 3. Startups should connect their stories to current events for greater relevance. 4. Hyperbole in pitches can turn people off; authenticity is key. 5. Understanding the audience and what content works for them is essential. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to EU Startups Podcast 02:59 The Evolving Landscape of Startup Media 06:06 The Importance of Personal Connection in Media 08:56 Insights from the European Startup Media Landscape Infographic 12:00 What Makes a Compelling Startup Story? 18:00 Building Relationships Beyond Coverage 19:50 Trends in Startup Content and Media 24:00 The Future of Startup Media 25:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital #media

In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski is joined by Trevor Neff, Partner at Headline Growth, a global VC firm with offices in San Francisco, Berlin, and Paris. Headline raised $865M for its fourth growth fund, with half of it dedicated to Europe. Headline’s portfolio includes powerhouses like: Sonos, Farfetch, goPuff, Bumble, AppFolio, Creditas, Segment, The RealReal, and Sorare. Trevor shares insights on the importance of building personal relationships with founders, the transition from Sound Ventures to Headline, and the evolving landscape of European startups. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in the European market, the significance of trust in investor-founder relationships, and offers valuable advice for founders navigating their journey. The conversation concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Trevor's perspectives on venture capital and entrepreneurship. Takeaways 1. The best startups today are built global from day one. 2. Build trust early – it’s your most valuable currency. 3. Your investor should know you before your deck. 4. Relationships still matter more than metrics early on. 5. VC is a long game – play it with aligned partners. Chapters 00:00 Building Relationships in Venture Capital 04:45 Lessons from Sound Ventures 06:52 The Vision for Headline's Growth Fund 09:08 The Rise of European Startups 12:31 Balancing Local Nuances with Global Ambition 15:33 The Importance of Trust in Investment 18:26 Advice for Founders and Investors 22:45 Rapid Fire Questions with Trevor Neff If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #venturecapital

How do you turn travel into a cure for loneliness? In this episode of the EU-Startups Podcast, Marcin Lewandowski sits down with Erika De Santi, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer at WeRoad. With over 125 destinations worldwide and $36m in funding, WeRoad is one of the fast-growing travel startups that's redefining what it means to explore the world — with strangers who become friends. They dive into: – How WeRoad uses group travel to create deep connections – Why group dynamics and coordinators make or break a trip – The role of early growth hacks in building community – Why unexpected moments are the most powerful memories – How the new WeMeet app is tackling loneliness in local communities Takeaways: – WeRoad creates shared experiences that fight loneliness. – Travel is a tool to build belonging, not just escape. – People don’t just want destinations — they want connection. – Real-life friendships need intentional design. – The best travel products are designed for emotion, not logistics. 🎧 Whether you’re a travel junkie, community builder, or just curious how tech and real-life connection intersect — this one’s worth your ears. 👇 Timestamps 00:00 Fighting Loneliness Through Travel 03:02 Designing Unique Travel Experiences 06:00 The Role of Travel Coordinators 10:13 Building Community and Connection 13:07 Lessons on Human Nature and Loneliness 17:58 Introducing WeMeet: A New Platform 21:50 Social Responsibility and Community Impact 24:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Travel Wisdom If you haven't already.... Subscribe to the EU-Startups Podcast here on YouTube! Or follow along on your other favourite podcast platforms... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4QU85dN... / Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast... Follow EU-Startups on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eu-startups-menlo-media/ Visit our Website: https://www.eu-startups.com/ Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://www.eu-startups.com/newsletter/ #startup #travel